NGF congratulates Mimiko on Supreme Court victory

Forum says judgement is a plus for judiciary and Nigeria’s democracy.

The Nigeria Governors Forum, NGF, has congratulated the Ondo State Governor, Olusegun Mimiko, over his victory at the Supreme Court on Thursday; describing the judgement as a landmark and a plus for the judiciary and the country’s democracy.

The Supreme Court had upheld the judgement of the Court of Appeal which confirmed Mr. Mimiko as the winner of the October 20, 2012 governorship election in the state.

In a statement by its Director General, Asishana Okauru, on Thursday, the Forum described the judgement read by Justice Walter Onoghene was a landmark one and a plus for the judiciary and nation’s democracy.

Mr. Mimiko is the vice chairman of a separate faction of the NGF led by the Plateau State Governor, Jonah Jang.

The statements said, “The Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) congratulates Gov. Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State on the Supreme Court ruling which upheld his election.

“The Forum sees the ruling of the seven-man panel of the Apex court led by Justice Walter Onoghene, as a land mark judgment and a plus for the Judiciary and the Nigerian democracy.

“The ruling of the judgment in this case shows that the Nigerian judiciary has indeed come of age.”

The forum praised the Ondo State governor for standing firm and remaining undaunted while the case lasted and charged him to remain committed to the people and to ensure the delivery of true development through democracy to the people of the state.

It also noted that “governors are critical pillars and vital channels for the delivery of the dividends of democracy to their electorate and must remain so at all times.”

The forum also thanked the citizens of Ondo State for their understanding and support while the case lasted even as it called on the Supreme Court “to stay steadfast in anticipation of several other pre-election and post-election cases as we move towards 2015.”